Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!)

Literary notes about Dexterity (AI summary)

The term "dexterity" has been used in literature to denote a wide range of skills—from the physical to the intellectual. Early explorers used it to describe the agile and almost effortless movements of animals in nature ([1], [2]), while later writers expanded its meaning to include manual precision, as in the admiring accounts of swift knife work or delicate manipulation of objects ([3], [4]). In addition to physical adeptness, authors like Emily Post and Walter Scott employed the word to refer to refined social skills and the intelligent handling of complex situations ([5], [6], [7]), and even to the artistry of music or painting ([8], [9]). Moreover, historical narratives and political satires often allude to dexterity as a metaphor for adaptability and shrewd maneuvering, whether in combat or in the realm of public affairs ([10], [11], [12]). Overall, literary usage fashions "dexterity" as a multifaceted concept that embodies both bodily agility and the elegance of mental and social acuity.
  1. they burrow in the hard grounds of the plains with surprising ease and dexterity an will cover themselves in the ground in a very few minutes.
    — from The Journals of Lewis and Clark, 1804-1806 by William Clark and Meriwether Lewis
  2. they burrow in the hard Grounds in the Plains with Surprising ease and dexterity and will cover themselves in the Ground in a very fiew minits.
    — from The Journals of Lewis and Clark, 1804-1806 by William Clark and Meriwether Lewis
  3. My remedy was, to cut them in pieces with my knife, as they flew in the air, wherein my dexterity was much admired.
    — from Gulliver's Travels into Several Remote Regions of the World by Jonathan Swift
  4. which they held in their hand Changeing it from one hand to the other with great dexterity.
    — from The Journals of Lewis and Clark, 1804-1806 by William Clark and Meriwether Lewis
  5. Forks Or Fingers All juicy or "gooey" fruits or cakes are best eaten with a fork, but in most cases it is a matter of dexterity.
    — from Etiquette by Emily Post
  6. “Friend Wamba,” said he, “of all those who are fools enough to serve Cedric, thou alone hast dexterity enough to make thy folly acceptable to him.
    — from Ivanhoe: A Romance by Walter Scott
  7. But do you not admire, I said, the coolness and dexterity of these ready ministers of political corruption?
    — from The Republic by Plato
  8. Her voice was enchantingly sweet, and she touched the lute with the most ravishing dexterity.
    — from The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom — Complete by T. Smollett
  9. This painting is not so much carried on by dexterity of hand as by having the object more vividly imprinted in the soul.
    — from Essays of Michel de Montaigne — Complete by Michel de Montaigne
  10. Look attentively at the duels and the hand-to-hand combats, how superior the Italians are in strength, dexterity, and subtlety.
    — from The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli
  11. In ancient times, bodily strength and dexterity, being of greater USE and importance in war, was also much more esteemed and valued, than at present.
    — from An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals by David Hume
  12. He bestows panegyric with inimitable grace, and satirises with equal dexterity.
    — from The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Complete by Suetonius

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux